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Tanzania. Climbing Kilimanjaro, The Machame Route

Days 1-2: Arrival in Arusha, Acclimitazation & Preparation

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro Airport in Arusha where you’ll be met and transferred to nearby Arusha to overnight at the Dik Dik Hotel. The following day adjust to your new surroundings, recover from jet lag, and meet with your guide to receive a climb briefing including a review of your route and packing of gear.

 

Dik Dik Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3: Machame Camp

Altitude gain: 6,400’ to 10,000’; Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Drive to the Mt Klimanjaro National Park passing by the village of Machame to reach the gate where your porters and trek staff have assembled ready to begin the trek. The trail winds though lush montane rain forest on the lower slopes of the mountain as you begin the gentle ascent amongst the begonias, ferns and busy lizzie impatiens that flower year round in multiple colors. Break out your trekking poles, the lower part of this trail can be muddy and slippery. The first camp is set amongst giant heather at Machame Camp 10,000ft elevation.

 

Kilimanjaro Campsites

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Shira Cave Camp

Altitude gain: 10,000’ to 12, 500’; Hiking time: 4-5 hours

The trail emerges from the giant heather zone as you hike through open moorland, an expansive, exposed, upland landscape of less vegetation and with more rock outcrops. Cross the valley and hike along the ridge to a river gorge near camp by the Shira Cave at 12,650ft. From the ridge all three peaks of Kilimanjaro (Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira) may be seen. This afternoon enjoy an optional half-hour walk to explore the geological features of the old volcanic caldera. Overnight near the Shira Cave.


Kilimanjaro Campsites

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Click for Photo Gallery

Day 5: Barranco Camp

Altitude gain: 12,500’ to 12,900’; Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Climbing from Shira towards the main peak of Kibo, the western glaciers become clearly visible across the rugged landscape turning from desert environs to volcanic boulders, rocks, scree and . Skirting around its base, we pass by the Lava Tower then under the imposing Western Breach near the Arrow Glacier and then descend into the sheltered Barranco Valley where our scenic camp is set at 3,950m/12,900ft. Today’s hike is 5-7 hours walking but only a 400ft elevation gain at camp because we climb high, turning southeast and traversing the mountain before descending to sleep at a lower altitude that will assist in better acclimatization. Overnight at Barranco Camp

 

Kilimanjaro Campsites

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Karanga Camp

Altitude gain: 12,900’ to 12,700’; Hiking time 3-4 hours

Trekking up to the steep Barranco Wall some sections of the trail here require some easy scrambling before walking down again to the Karanga Valley at 12,700ft. This is a short walking day with an optional acclimatization hike in the afternoon up onto the scree below the glaciers. Overnight at Karanga Camp.


Kilimanjaro Campsites

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Barafu Camp

Altitude 12,700’ to 15,200’; Hiking time 3-4 hours

We take a short cut up to Barafu camp perched high on a rocky bluff at 15,200ft arriving at lunch time. From this vantage you have spectacular views of the two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, the goal for tomorrow’s summit. We have designed this as another short walking day of 3-4 hours allowing for less exertion with time to rest before arising early in the night to make the summit. We have dinner around 5 PM and head to our tents around 6 PM to sleep before arising to summit the mountain. Overnight at Barafu Camp.


Kilimanjaro Campsites

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Click for Photo Gallery

Day 8: Summit Ascent, Mweka Camp

Altitude gain: 15,200’ to 18,815’ (Stella Point) to 19,340’ (summit) then down to 10,000; Hiking time: 12-15 hours. 

Around midnight, we have a hearty breakfast before starting to climb the steady upward trail to reach Stella Point on the crater rim for sunrise – it’s another 40 mins to reach the summit of Kibo, the highest point on the continent 19,340 ft, usually in sunshine above the clouds. The total ascent is 4,000 ft and takes about 7 hours. Enjoy standing at the highest point in the African continent and then descend over 2-3 hours back to Barafu camp for lunch. After lunch continue trek descent 1,750m/ 5,000ft over 3-5 hours to the Mweka camp at 3,000m/10,000ft. This is a long strenuous day but you will feel absolutely ecstatic when you have finished! Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest. Overnight at Mweka Camp.

 

Kilimanjaro Campsites

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Arusha

Altitude gain: 10,000’ to 4,950’; Hiking time 4-5 hours

A morning descent of 4-5 hours through the forest brings us to Mweka Gate. Here certificates are awarded to those who have sumitted or reached Stella Point before saying goodbye to our crew and returning to the Dik Dik Hotel in Arusha for a hot shower and overnight.


Dik Dik Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Departure

Head out on safari if you are extending your stay in Tanzania. Otherwise, if you are departing you have the day to enjoying Arusha perhaps shopping in the market, and relaxing at the hotel for lunch and rest before repacking your gear in time for dinner and an evening transfer for your departure flight.


Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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